2 car theft suspects bolt Caloocan jail

MANILA, Philippines - Two men accused of car theft escaped from their detention cell at a Caloocan City police station early Friday morning, city police chief Senior Superintendent Rimas Calixto said.

In a report sent to the Northern Police District, Calixto said suspects Donald John Torriblo, 19; and Berlin del Rosario, 23, were able to escape from the Barugo police station by sawing off the window grills at the far end of their detention cell.

He said the suspects may have escaped during the heavy downpour in the area before dawn Friday, saying that the incident was discovered by desk officer Police Officer 1 Regie Nuevaespana when he conducted an inspection around 3 a.m.

Torriblo and Del Rosario were last seen during the inspection before noon on Thursday.

Calixto said the suspects were temporarily detained at the police station pending the issuance of a commitment order for their transfer to the Caloocan City Jail.

The two were the only detainees at the time of their escape, said the city police chief.

Calixto said that Nuevaespana has already been relieved of his duties pending the investigation that will be conducted on the escape. He also said that the police officer was ordered to submit a formal explanation on what happened.

Nuevaespana faces criminal and administrative charges “if evidence warrants,” the report read.

Calixto said the two fugitives are the subjects of a police manhunt.